California wildfires victim Dr. Carmen McReynolds was a ‘Western gal’

Dr. Carmen McReynolds picture in Durango, Colo., in 1978. She was identified Sunday as one of the victims of the Tubbs Fire.

Image 2 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

In early October 2017, wildfires devastated communities northern California, including Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties. See the faces of those we've lost >>

Photo: Michelle Kirk

Image 3 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

Karen Aycock, 54

Aycock loved animals, perhaps more than people, her friends said. “Even if she knew there was a fire, she more than likely would have perished trying to rescue them,” said Chad

Karen Aycock, 54

Aycock loved animals, perhaps more than people, her friends said. “Even if she knew there was a fire, she more than likely would have perished trying to rescue them,” said Chad Hinden, Aycock’s friend and former roommate. “She wouldn’t leave the house without her animals.”

Mrs. Berriz died in the arms of her husband, Armando, as they clung to each other in the swimming pool of their rented house in Santa Rosa. Mrs. Berriz had been vacationing with her

Carmen Caldentey Berriz, 75

Mrs. Berriz died in the arms of her husband, Armando, as they clung to each other in the swimming pool of their rented house in Santa Rosa. Mrs. Berriz had been vacationing with her family at a home on Crystal Court when they were awakened by the fire, jumping into the pool with her husband to escape the flames. Mr. Berriz survived with severe burns.Read more

Photo: Courtesy Felice Lechuga-Armadillo

Image 5 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

Roy Howard Bowman, 87

Mr. Bowman served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a soil analyst for the federal government before retiring.

Read more

Photo: Courtesy Felice Lechuga-Armadillo

Image 6 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

Irma Elsie Bowman, 88

Mrs. Bowman loved to bake and took an interest in everyone around her. “Irma taught my sisters and I how to cook, how to go shopping, how to be wise with our money,” said friend

Irma Elsie Bowman, 88

Mrs. Bowman loved to bake and took an interest in everyone around her. “Irma taught my sisters and I how to cook, how to go shopping, how to be wise with our money,” said friend Lechuga-Armadillo.

Sally Eaves Lewis, 90, independent businesswoman, formidable fisher and hunter, and mother of two, spent much of her life at her home on Soda Canyon Road in Napa. On Oct. 8, however,

Sally Eaves Lewis, 90

Sally Eaves Lewis, 90, independent businesswoman, formidable fisher and hunter, and mother of two, spent much of her life at her home on Soda Canyon Road in Napa. On Oct. 8, however, the fires roaring across the region moved too fast. Ms. Lewis was killed, along with her caregiver, Teresa Santos, 50.

Mr. Grant died with his wife, Suiko, early Monday when the Tubbs Fire tore through northern Santa Rosa. Daughter Trina Grant said her father had served as a lieutenant in the Navy and

Arthur Tasman Grant, 95

Mr. Grant died with his wife, Suiko, early Monday when the Tubbs Fire tore through northern Santa Rosa. Daughter Trina Grant said her father had served as a lieutenant in the Navy and trained as a fighter pilot in World War II. After the war, he flew for Pan Am as a commercial pilot and retired after 25 years of service.

Read more

Photo: Courtesy Trina Grant

Image 9 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

Suiko Grant, 75

Mrs. Grant died with her husband, Arthur, when they were unable to escape their home in the Mark West Springs Road area of Santa Rosa. The couple had met in Honolulu when Mr. Grant was flying as

Suiko Grant, 75

Mrs. Grant died with her husband, Arthur, when they were unable to escape their home in the Mark West Springs Road area of Santa Rosa. The couple had met in Honolulu when Mr. Grant was flying as a commercial pilot for Pan Am. “It was a true love-at-first-sight story,” said their daughter Trina Grant.

Read more

Photo: Courtesy Of The Family

Image 10 of 59 | Victims of the October 2017 Wine Country Fires

Donna Halbur, 80

Mrs. Halbur was found with her husband, LeRoy, in their parked car, trapped in the garage of their charred Sonoma home. The couple had been married for 50 years, and is survived by a son, Dave,

Donna Halbur, 80

Mrs. Halbur was found with her husband, LeRoy, in their parked car, trapped in the garage of their charred Sonoma home. The couple had been married for 50 years, and is survived by a son, Dave, and their grandchildren.

Mr. Halbur died with his wife, Donna, as they attempted to flee their Sonoma home. A retired accountant, Mr. Halbur helped found the Catholic charitable organization St. Vincent de Paul in

LeRoy Halbur, 80

Mr. Halbur died with his wife, Donna, as they attempted to flee their Sonoma home. A retired accountant, Mr. Halbur helped found the Catholic charitable organization St. Vincent de Paul in Sonoma County in 1968. He was a warm, compassionate man with a sense of humor.

Ms. Hanson had faced many challenges in life, including being born with a spinal birth defect that limited her mobility and losing her mother at age 9. Despite her hardships, Ms. Hanson was

Christina Hanson, 27

Ms. Hanson had faced many challenges in life, including being born with a spinal birth defect that limited her mobility and losing her mother at age 9. Despite her hardships, Ms. Hanson was “a very happy, social and positive person,” said her stepmother, Jennifer Watson.

Mr. Hoefer died after suffering an asthma attack triggered by the smoke from the Wine Country wildfires. Mr. Hoefer, she said, had tried to call his physician for help, but his doctor’s

Josh Hoefer, 27

Mr. Hoefer died after suffering an asthma attack triggered by the smoke from the Wine Country wildfires. Mr. Hoefer, she said, had tried to call his physician for help, but his doctor’s office had burned down. The nearest hospitals had been evacuated, and the roads to the other medical centers were difficult to traverse. In a last-ditch attempt, Mr. Hoefer went to a nearby pharmacy, but could not find the help he needed there either.

McCombs died in her home on Mark West Springs Road early Oct. 9, unable to escape the flames of the Tubbs Fire, despite repeated efforts by family to come and retrieve her. “She

Veronica McCombs, 67

McCombs died in her home on Mark West Springs Road early Oct. 9, unable to escape the flames of the Tubbs Fire, despite repeated efforts by family to come and retrieve her. “She devoted her life to the love and care of our family and her community,” son Branden McCombs said.

McReynolds was an intellectual whose pursuits reached far beyond her medical textbooks and into the expanses of the American West, where she grew up. “She was a great sister,”

Carmen McReynolds, 82

McReynolds was an intellectual whose pursuits reached far beyond her medical textbooks and into the expanses of the American West, where she grew up. “She was a great sister,” Janelle McKinley, 78, of Nevada City (Nevada County). “She was like a third parent and a best friend."

Paiz died when the private firefighting water truck he was driving careened off the steep Oakville Grade road in Napa County near Highway 29 around 7 a.m. on Monday October 16, 2017. Officials

Garrett Paiz, 38

Paiz died when the private firefighting water truck he was driving careened off the steep Oakville Grade road in Napa County near Highway 29 around 7 a.m. on Monday October 16, 2017. Officials said it wasn’t clear what caused the accident, but fatigue from long hours of working the fire may have been a factor.

Mrs. Powell was a musician and dog lover who had recently survived a grueling battle with mouth cancer. “She always had my back,” said her husband, George. “She tried to make

Lynne Powell, 72

Mrs. Powell was a musician and dog lover who had recently survived a grueling battle with mouth cancer. “She always had my back,” said her husband, George. “She tried to make life OK for me, regardless of what she was going through.”

Mr. Rippey was found with his wife, Sara, in the charred ruins of their Westgate Drive home in Napa. Mr. Rippey was a World War II veteran, later working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber

Charles Rippey, 100

Mr. Rippey was found with his wife, Sara, in the charred ruins of their Westgate Drive home in Napa. Mr. Rippey was a World War II veteran, later working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and Norris Industries in Brea (Orange County). He and his wife had grown up together in Wisconsin, and had lived in Napa for 35 years.

Mrs. Rippey was found with her husband, Charles, in what was left of their Napa home. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in March, and over the years was often spotted at the

Sara Rippey, 98

Mrs. Rippey was found with her husband, Charles, in what was left of their Napa home. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in March, and over the years was often spotted at the Napa Valley Country Club playing tennis and golf. Sara and her husband are survived by five children, 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Kai Logan Shepherd was an energetic and athletic 14-year-old who’d befriend anyone. But Kai was unable to escape the flames of the Redwood Valley fire as it ripped through his neighborhood. His sister, Kressa, who was badly burned, died three weeks after the wildfires according to a family member.

Dornbach loved the rugged, rolling hills of northern Napa County — the quiet, the isolation, and the way the stars shone bright at night, piercing the sky between the dark cover of oak

Michael Dornbach, 57

Dornbach loved the rugged, rolling hills of northern Napa County — the quiet, the isolation, and the way the stars shone bright at night, piercing the sky between the dark cover of oak and laurel trees.

Mrs. Evans was known for her fierce love of animals. She kept horses, goats, dogs, a mule and a steer at her house on Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa. “We knew her as the horse

Valerie Lynn Evans, 75

Mrs. Evans was known for her fierce love of animals. She kept horses, goats, dogs, a mule and a steer at her house on Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa. “We knew her as the horse lady,” said Tracy Long, who was Mrs. Evans’ neighbor for 25 years.

This undated photo provided by Irma Muniz shows the Shepherd family, Jon and Sara Shepherd and their children, Kressa and Kai.

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 25 of 59

Jeanette Scroggins pauses while searching for signs of her aunt, Karen Aycock, who has been missing since the Tubbs fire roared through her Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10,Jeanette Scroggins pauses while searching for signs of her aunt, Karen Aycock, who has been missing since the Tubbs fire roared through her Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017.

Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle

Image 26 of 59

Flames roar through a historic building at the Stags Leap Winery during a fast moving wind whipped wild fire raged though the Napa/Sonoma wine region in NAPA, CALIFORNIA, USA 9 Oct 2017. Multiple fire thatFlames roar through a historic building at the Stags Leap Winery during a fast moving wind whipped wild fire raged though the Napa/Sonoma wine region in NAPA, CALIFORNIA, USA 9 Oct 2017. Multiple fire that erupted in Napa, Sonoma, Calistoga and the Santa Rosa area have burned homes and wineries. Mandatory evacuations have be displaced hundreds of residents through out the area.

Photo: Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Image 27 of 59

Steph Gediman, (left) comforts Brandi Burns in front of Burns' destroyed at the scene of the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties

Steph Gediman, (left) comforts Brandi Burns in front of Burns' destroyed at the scene of the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses on Monday October 9, 2017

Photo: Peter DaSilva, Special To The Chronicle

Image 28 of 59

A ranch home along Hwy. 12 burned out of control as a fast moving wind whipped wild fire raged though the Napa/Sonoma wine region in NAPA, CALIFORNIA, USA 9 Oct. 2017. Multiple fire have erupted in Napa,A ranch home along Hwy. 12 burned out of control as a fast moving wind whipped wild fire raged though the Napa/Sonoma wine region in NAPA, CALIFORNIA, USA 9 Oct. 2017. Multiple fire have erupted in Napa, Sonoma, Calistoga and the Santa Rosa area, burning homes and wineries. Mandatory evacuations have be displaced hundreds of residents through out the area.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

Image 29 of 59

Evacuee Junior Gomez, 11, sits with his puppy Smoky, 2 months at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating his home with his parents following the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Image 30 of 59

A CalFire helicopter flies by the setting sun after picking up more water to drop on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. TheA CalFire helicopter flies by the setting sun after picking up more water to drop on a smoldering area as the Partrick Fire continue to burn slowly east of Sonoma, Calif., on Thursday, October 12, 2017. The Napa and Sonoma valleys continue to be under threat from several fires not yet under control and growing fears that strong winds might worsen the situation.

Photo: Peter Byck

Image 31 of 59

The "Love" sculpture at Paradise Ridge Winery was singed but otherwise not damaged by the Tubbs Fire, which leveled the Santa Rosa winery. Peter Byck, whose brother, Rene, runs the winery said, "The temple

The "Love" sculpture at Paradise Ridge Winery was singed but otherwise not damaged by the Tubbs Fire, which leveled the Santa Rosa winery. Peter Byck, whose brother, Rene, runs the winery said, "The temple behind the 'Love' sculpture is the temple of remembrance, which is to remember those we've lost."

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

Image 32 of 59

A laundromat inside the Journey's End mobile home park burns during a the Tubbs fire on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Image 33 of 59

Terrie Burns stands in the middle of her destroyed at the scene of the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday,Terrie Burns stands in the middle of her destroyed at the scene of the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses on Monday October 9, 2017

Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

Image 34 of 59

A couple waits in vain to be escorted to pick up possessions from their home inside an evacuation zone on October 11, 2017 in Napa, California. Escorts to were called for the rest of the day due to lack of

A couple waits in vain to be escorted to pick up possessions from their home inside an evacuation zone on October 11, 2017 in Napa, California. Escorts to were called for the rest of the day due to lack of available officers. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 21 people were killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.

Photo: Courtesy Of Michael Hanrahan

Image 35 of 59

Michael Hanrahan photographed the smoke over San Francisco from Hawk Hill on Oct. 9, 2017. As wildfires burn in the North Bay, smoke is pouring into the Central and South Bay Area.

Photo: Evan Sernoffsky

Image 36 of 59

A #SonomaProud sign in downtown Sonoma during the Tubbs Fire on Thursday, October 12, 2107

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

Image 37 of 59

A view of Journey's End mobile home after the Tubbs fire tore through the property on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage, Special To The Chronicle

Image 38 of 59

The remains of the homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood are seen from the air in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle

Image 39 of 59

A primary school classroom at St. Rose School is seen with damages caused by the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

Image 40 of 59

Evacuee Martha Lynn rests with her dogs Broonzy (not pictured) and Golly (right) at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating her home following the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 41 of 59

Gabriel Castillo and wife Alea Kelleher embrace while sifting through the remains of their Santa Rosa, Calif., home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The two escaped along with their 13 month-old daughter, but lostGabriel Castillo and wife Alea Kelleher embrace while sifting through the remains of their Santa Rosa, Calif., home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The two escaped along with their 13 month-old daughter, but lost their house as the Tubbs fire roared through the neighborhood early Monday morning.

Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press

Image 42 of 59

Phil Rush walks through the burnt remains at the site of his home destroyed by fires in Santa Rosa, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Wildfires tearing through California’s wine country continued to expandPhil Rush walks through the burnt remains at the site of his home destroyed by fires in Santa Rosa, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Wildfires tearing through California’s wine country continued to expand Wednesday, destroying hundreds more homes and structures and prompting new evacuation orders.

Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle

Image 43 of 59

Karen Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. onKaren Balestieri and Heidi Facciano (left to right) marvel at a pond of live koi fish which survived the Tubbs fire in the neighborhood referred to by locals as 'old fountaingrove' in Santa Rosa, Ca. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

Photo: Guy Wathen, The Chronicle

Image 44 of 59

Arilyn Edwards, 6, stands beside her bike in front of the rubble of her Santa Rosa home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The bike, which was a gift for her 6th birthday on Oct. 6, was destroyed as fire ripped through

Arilyn Edwards, 6, stands beside her bike in front of the rubble of her Santa Rosa home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. The bike, which was a gift for her 6th birthday on Oct. 6, was destroyed as fire ripped through her neighborhood early Monday morning.

Photo: Jeff Chiu/AP

Image 45 of 59

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2017, file photo,Todd Caughey hugs his daughter Ella as they visit the site of their home destroyed by fires in Kenwood, Calif. For many residents in the path of one of California's

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2017, file photo,Todd Caughey hugs his daughter Ella as they visit the site of their home destroyed by fires in Kenwood, Calif. For many residents in the path of one of California's deadliest blazes, talk is of wind direction, evacuations and goodbyes. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Image 46 of 59

April Lee views a burned home in Santa Rosa in California on October 10, 2017. Firefighters battled wildfires in California's wine region on Tuesday as the death toll rose to 15 and thousands were left homeless

April Lee views a burned home in Santa Rosa in California on October 10, 2017. Firefighters battled wildfires in California's wine region on Tuesday as the death toll rose to 15 and thousands were left homeless in neighborhoods reduced to ashes.

Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press

Image 47 of 59

A Cal Fire firefighter works on hot spots on a hill in the Oakmont area of Santa Rosa, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Gusting winds and dry air forecast for Thursday could drive the next wave of devastatingA Cal Fire firefighter works on hot spots on a hill in the Oakmont area of Santa Rosa, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Gusting winds and dry air forecast for Thursday could drive the next wave of devastating wildfires that are already well on their way to becoming the deadliest and most destructive in California history.

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 48 of 59

Ned and Vivien MacDonald post a sign thanking firefighters and police officers on Bennett Valley Rd. near Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. The fire charred part of their 450 acres, but the coupleNed and Vivien MacDonald post a sign thanking firefighters and police officers on Bennett Valley Rd. near Santa Rosa, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. The fire charred part of their 450 acres, but the couple credited firefighters with saving their home which dates back to 1900.

Photo: David McNew

Image 49 of 59

The body of a cow that died in the Atlas Fire is seen in Soda Canyon on October 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 21The body of a cow that died in the Atlas Fire is seen in Soda Canyon on October 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 21 people have been killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.

Photo: Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Image 50 of 59

Keith Norris shows what his car destroyed in the fire looked like before the fire, in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday,

Keith Norris shows what his car destroyed in the fire looked like before the fire, in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses on Monday October 9, 2017

Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle

Image 51 of 59

A woman walks past a store wearing a bandana as a mask to protect herself from the smoke Oct. 9, 2017 in Napa, Calif. A fire tore through the area on the evening of Oct. 8, destroying properties and vineyards.

Photo: Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Image 52 of 59

Maria Norris and her husband Keith lost their home in the fire, in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying hundreds of

Maria Norris and her husband Keith lost their home in the fire, in Santa Rosa, Ca., on Monday October 9, 2017. Massive wildfires ripped through Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses on Monday October 9, 2017

Photo: Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Image 53 of 59

An abandoned pair of boots lay outside a destroyed home off Soda Canyon Road Oct. 9, 2017 in Napa, Calif. A fire tore through the area on the evening of Oct. 8, destroying properties and vineyards.

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 54 of 59

A staircase stands at a home leveled by the Tubbs fire in the Fountaingrove area of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017.

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

Image 55 of 59

Lori Sarver hugs neighbor Denise Zaleski while searching through the remains of her home in the Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. Both lost their homes as the Tubbs fireLori Sarver hugs neighbor Denise Zaleski while searching through the remains of her home in the Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. Both lost their homes as the Tubbs fire roared though the area early Monday morning.

Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Image 56 of 59

An aerial view shows burned properties in Santa Rosa, California on October 12, 2017. Hundreds of people are still missing in massive wildfires which have swept through California killing at least 26 people and

An aerial view shows burned properties in Santa Rosa, California on October 12, 2017. Hundreds of people are still missing in massive wildfires which have swept through California killing at least 26 people and damaging thousands of homes, businesses and other buildings.

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage, Special To The Chronicle

Image 57 of 59

The remains of the homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood are seen from the air in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Photo: Guy Wathen, The Chronicle

Image 58 of 59

Theres Gilman found her mother-in-law's ruby ring while digging through the rubble of her Santa Rosa home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa , Calif..

Photo: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle

Image 59 of 59

Jimmie Allen (center) stands with his children Miley Allen (left), 9 and Jaden Frank (right), 13, at their home in Coffey Park, which was burned in the Tubbs fire, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Napa,Jimmie Allen (center) stands with his children Miley Allen (left), 9 and Jaden Frank (right), 13, at their home in Coffey Park, which was burned in the Tubbs fire, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 in Napa, Calif.

Carmen McReynolds was an intellectual whose pursuits reached far beyond her medical textbooks and into the expanses of the American West, where she grew up.

She rode motorcycles, shot rifles and played classical piano. She worked for decades as a doctor in the East Bay before retiring to Santa Rosa, where she bought a home with her best friend two decades ago.

Dr. McReynolds died trying to escape that home when the Tubbs Fire destroyed her neighborhood on Oct. 9. She was 82.

“She was a great sister,” Janelle McKinley, 78, of Nevada City said Sunday. “She was like a third parent and a best friend.”

Search crews found that Dr. McReynolds had been trapped inside her 1973 Mercedes-Benz, which was still in the burned remains of her garage on Kilarney Circle near the Fountaingrove Golf Club, her family said.

Wine Country Fires
Media: San Francisco Chronicle

They can only speculate about the final moments that ended what they called a glorious life.

“She was trying to escape, but she didn’t make it,” said her nephew, 48-year-old Gabriel Coke. “If there was no electricity, she couldn’t have got the door open.”

Coke said he was inspired by his aunt, but added, “Imagining her in that kind of a terror in the middle of night is heartbreaking. I wish she could have died more peacefully.”

Dr. McReynolds was born Carmen Colleen McKinley in Durango, Colo., in 1935. Her father, a doctor, and her mother, a nurse, raised her with a brother and sister in a rural home, where the kids learned to get their hands dirty at a young age.

“She was very much a Western gal,” Coke said. “She always had a pocketknife nearby and could shoot a rifle, but she was still very dignified.”

Dr. McReynolds studied at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and married once, divorcing after seven years. She later moved to Hayward and worked as an internal medicine doctor at Kaiser Permanente hospitals, including the campus in Oakland, McKinley said.

“I was always fascinated by her,” Coke said. “She was really proud to be a doctor — you could imagine the sexism she encountered in the 1950s as a medical student.”

Though she didn’t call herself a feminist, Dr. McReynolds stuck up for women, and “demanded to be treated as equally as any man,” Coke said.

She was a hungry academic with an appetite for any subject, and those who knew her never dreamed of getting in an argument with her out of fear of ending up on the wrong side of the debate.

Dr. McReynolds retired around age 60 and bought a house with Nadine Caligaris, one of her best friends from back home. Caligaris died from a heart attack in 2005 at age 75, and Dr. McReynolds had lived alone in the Kilarney Circle home since.

She had a cabin near the Russian River where she kept her motorcycle and rifles, but her visits there began to decrease in recent years. A double hip replacement challenged her mobility.

Dr. McReynolds had recently made detailed arrangements for her passing, including leaving her wealth and property to charity, Coke said.

“I was always impressed with her,” he said. “I always thought it was really unique to be related to someone like that.”

McReynolds is survived by her sister and her brother, Joseph McKinley III of Sidney, Mont. A funeral has not yet been scheduled.